Argentinian football players pose for group photo at the awarding ceremony of the men's football event of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina claimed the title in this event. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    

Gold medalists of Argentina, silver medalists of Nigeria and bronze medalists of Brazil stand on the podium at the awarding ceremony of the men's football event of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Argentina repeated its victory in the final of men's soccer at the Beijing Olympics here on Saturday, as striker Angel Di Maria scored the only goal to help the team edge Nigeria 1-0 to seal the title.

    Watched by a crowd of 89,102 and scorched by Beijing noon sunshine which heated the pitch over 40 degrees Celsius, the two sides both played cautiously, if not sluggishly, putting much efforts on defense.

Angel Di Maria (#11) of Argentina makes a goal during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Nigeria's defensive strategy partly worked as Argentine duo Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were given few chances to touch the ball as they were tightly manmarked by Nigerian defenders. However, the tactics also led to leaving much space for other Argentine attackers to come up and break through the defense line, such as Di Maria.

    The Benfica midfielder, already having playing an answer man to matches in group stage, collected a through ball from Messi and finished the clear shot by calmly chipping the ball over the Nigerian goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin into an empty net on the 58th minute, claiming Argentina's win at the Olympic men's soccer final as they were already crowned four years ago in Athens.

    Argentina also becomes the first country in 40 years to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

    "It was a dream game. I'm very happy with the result. At the beginning of the play I thought of striking a powerful shot. Then I saw the goalkeeper had covered the goal very well and I decided to chip it over him. Luckily it went in," Di Maria said after the match.

    The Nigerians had quite a number of chances to even the score as Argentina gave up the middlefield after taking the lead. Striker Victor Obinna almost scored on 63rd minute from a right pass, but his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Sergio Romero with his body.

    Nigeria's best chance came in a sudden flank attack when midfielder Ever Banega delivered a beautiful pass from the right side, but two of the Nigerian strikers, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Ekpo, both charging into the area, failed to catch.

    Messi, who almost missed his Olympic chance as his club initially banned him from going to Beijing, started to display his genius in the latter part of the game.

Luciano Monzon (C-#3) of Argentina heads the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    After producing a dangerous pass to Al Madrid player Aguero, he also earned himself a chance at the 77th minute when he stole the ball from Nigerian defender. Bicycling to stun the defender and boosting up in speed, Messi struck his trademark left-footed shot which was eventually blocked away by Nigerian central defender Onyekachi Apam.

    The Nigerian's ambition to turnover gradually dimmed as their attackers continuously squander chances to level the game. Ebenezer Alijore was given a shot at goal thanks to Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano's hesitation to clear in his area, but the ball flew wide of the post and then came Sani Kaita firing his shot over the bar before the referee whistled the end of the match after 5-minute extra time due to a rare drink break.

    It was a much-awaited victory as the Argentines fought their way to the final with its record winning streak in the Olympics to 11 games, and most importantly, beating anchor rival Brazil 3-0 in the semifinals.

    After the game, the Argentine players rejoiced, singing, dancing and being congratulated by the country's soccer legend Diego Maradona who followed the team to witness the moment.

    "I'm so happy for these players and for the coaching staff. They deserved to have a chance and they proved their value here. I think it's a well-deserved gold medal for Argentina and what a chip from Di Maria," Maradona said.

    Argentine players will probably regard their victory as a replication in deja vu as most of them, also led by Messi and Aguero, already beat the same Nigerians 2-1 three years ago in U20 world championship.

    "I'm a little disappointed because we could've created history for us and for Nigeria," said Obbina after the match, adding that he still felt very honored and proud to win the team a silver medal.

    Nigeria became the first African nation to win the soccer title at the Atlanta Games of 1996 with a supremely talented squad headlined by the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Taribo West.

    

Ezequiel Garay (R) of Argentina vies for the ball during the men's gold match of football event between Nigeria and Argentina at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 and claimed the title in this event.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

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